State assessments begin in April. The 5th grade will begin taking the MSTEP on April 11 and the 8th grade PSAT is on April 12. Students in grades 6-8 will begin taking the MSTEP on April 18. Please remind your child to charge their iPad at night and bring headphones or earbuds to school for these assessments.

Scheduling for Next Year

Mrs. McShannock has been visiting classrooms to begin the scheduling process for next year. Students in the upper middle school grades transition from “specials” rotations (music, art, pe) to “elective” choices. Please ask your child about the elective choices they’ve made with Mrs. McShannock. The HSMS Course Offerings Guide has descriptions of each class.

6th Grade

Sixth graders have academic classes (math, science, social studies, and ELA) during their first, second, fifth, and sixth hours. Their third hour specials include art and physical education/health. Fourth hour they are introduced to their first elective classes: band or technology.

7th & 8th Grade

Seventh and eighth grade students have academic classes first through fourth hour and electives fifth and sixth hour. Students with electives that meet at the high school fifth hour will ride the shuttle bus to the high school after fourth hour, eat lunch in the high school cafeteria, and stay there for class. A
shuttle bus will run after fifth hour and again at the end of the day. Students finishing their day at the high school should be picked up there or ride the bus home from there. Students needing to come back to the middle school can ride the shuttle back at 2:50.

9th Grade

Mrs. Richardson will visit 8th grade classrooms on April 7 to begin the high school scheduling process. She will discuss graduation requirements and course offerings. All 8th grade students will be given 4-Year Plan Paperwork to complete and return signed by a parent.

Lost & Found Items will be Donated

Our lost and found is overflowing again, so all items will be donated after spring break. Parents, please stop by before or after school to look for lost items. The lost and found is located in the Great Hall, just inside the main entrance.

Between the Covers $5 Discount

March is reading month but it’s also spring break! Stop by Between the Covers to pick up some new reading material. With the generous support of donors, Between the Covers is offering a $5 discount towards a book to every student, grades PreK thru 12th. Simply come into the bookstore (106 E Main St. in downtown Harbor Springs), select your book, and give your first and last name at checkout. Here is what else you need to know:

●  The discount applies only towards book purchases (no games, puzzles, stationery or other sideline merchandise).

●  The discount applies towards in-stock titles only. No holds or special orders.

●  Discounts may be used in-person at the bookstore, from March 11th thru April 4th, 2023. Between the Covers is

open Monday thru Saturday from 9 – 5:30, and select Sundays from 11 – 4. (The store is closed Sundays, March

19th and 26th.)

●  Questions? Call or email! 231.526.6658 • books@btcbookshs.com

Athletic Attendance & Eligibility Policy

April 4 marks the beginning of middle school spring sports, so please review the district athletic attendance and eligibility policies. More detailed information can be found on the district website’s athletic page.

ATTENDANCE

Students shall not report for competition when they have been absent from school for any
portion of the scheduled day. Any student who knowingly violates this rule will be suspended for
one contest. Exceptions are pre-arranged appointments made prior to the student leaving
school. Examples of pre-arranged appointments include dentist, doctor, family emergency, and
situations beyond the control of the student. Special situations and emergencies will be
determined by administration as to whether they are violations or exceptions. A student who
misses school on a Friday and doesn’t fall under an exception may
not participate in a contest on Saturday.
ELIGIBILITY
Each Friday, the AD will check eligibility at the end of the school day.If an athlete is failing one or more classes, receiving a quarter grade below 60%, that athlete becomes ineligible for competition the next Monday through Sunday. Eligibility is reinstated after the seven-day period and a grade check indicates the student is passing all of his or her classes. Reinstatement occurs the following Monday. When a student is ineligible for three consecutive weeks, they will be dismissed from the team. Students who are ineligible will not be excused from school to attend any athletic competition or co-curricular event that occurs during school hours. Violations of this rule will result in suspension from the next scheduled event.

Ram Wellness Group Therapy

The Ram Wellness Program is offering a TRAILS group for 7th and 8th grade students experiencing feelings of anxiety and/or depression. Participants can learn skills and receive support to address symptoms of anxiety and depression—and boost their mental health! If you have questions or are interested in participating, please email mental health therapist Madi McCullough, LLMSW at mmccullough@harborps.org. She will provide required parent consent paperwork for your completion.

The Potential Dangers of Social Media & The Internet

Michigan State Police Officer Corey Hebner will be speaking with sixth through eighth grade students on Friday, April 7 about the dangers of social media and the internet. If you would like to opt your student out of this presentation, please email Mrs. Keiser.

Get ready for Crooked Tree Arts Center’s annual Youth Art Show!

Beginning March 18th, the Gilbert and Bonfield Galleries will be covered floor to ceiling with thousands of unique works of art created by student artists working across the Char-Em ISD. This year 30 school groups will be participating. The exhibition will be on display March 18 – May 4, 2023.

Middle School Track Team

This year the middle school track team is open to 6th-8th grade students. Practice will begin on Tuesday, April 4 from 3:15-4:30 in the middle school great hall. Contact Coach Hannah Busch hannahbethbusch@gmail.com with questions.